WO2012073189A1

WO2012073189A1 - Method of eliminating the body emanations of an individual

Info

Publication number: WO2012073189A1
Application number: PCT/IB2011/055361
Authority: WO
Inventors: Henri Samain; Myriam Kauffmann
Original assignee: L'oreal
Priority date: 2010-11-30
Filing date: 2011-11-29
Publication date: 2012-06-07
Also published as: FR2967881A1; FR2967881B1

Abstract

The present invention concerns a method of eliminating the body emanations of an individual, especially sweat or other secretions or volatile emanations, in which a treatment head comprising a permeable and/or porous element is brought into contact with or in the vicinity of an area affected by these emanations, the skin or a garment worn by this individual, in which method an air stream is made to flow through and/or over the surface of this element, me treatment head being brought into contact with or in the vicinity of the skin of the armpits, skin folds, the hands or the feel, or being brought into contact with a garment facing the armpits or the skin folds or the feet.

Description

Method of eliminating the body emanations of an individual

The present invention relates to methods and devices used for combating perspiration and more generally counteracting the drawbacks due to body emanations.

JP 2000175739 and JP 05317122 describe wipes to be placed on the skin or beneath garments for the purpose of absorbing perspiration and of delivering a freshness sensation and/or a perfumed active agent.

Patent application WO 02/089650 describes a fluid-recirculation cleaning device for sucking up moisture or debris from a fabric.

Absorbent materials may be used within a suction system, as described in FR

2485 405 or US 5 155 877.

The object of the present invention is to provide a device for combating the unpleasantness of certain body emanations, such as perspiration, or the release by the body of solid or fluid debris or volatile compounds emanating from various excretions or secretions, such as sebum, desquamation, NMR (natural moisturizing factor), microbial skin flora and metabolism of cells on the surface of the body envelope.

Indeed, even applying an anti-perspirant in the morning, for example conteiniiig an aluminium salt, it happens that excessive perspiration occurs over the course of the following hours. This eventuality is not easily predictable as it depends in particular on the heat, relative humidity and physical or psychic events experienced during the day.

After perspiration, for example in the armpits, the fabric of a garment is wet. At this moment, applying an anti-perspirant again proves to be not very effective. Moreover, perspiration often occurs suddenly, leaving the individual no time to react. Natural evaporation is not sufficient for making the water rapidly disappear, creating a maceration zone. The pH, the osmotic conditions, the enzyme systems and the skin flora are therefore modified and unpleasant odours may prevail.

Since the water released by the phenomenon of perspiration may stagnate in the fabric for ten to thirty minutes, the maceration activates the bacteria. The odours thereat are then more difficult to eliminate than on the skin. The phenomenon may be exacerbated by the change in pH. In addition, by slowing drying, the water spreads along the fabric. The unpleasantness is intense and accentuated by a sensation of wetness, the visible formation of drying rings and an impregnated odour. This problem may be a severe handicap for many people, those overweight in particular suffering very badly therefrom. Some individuals go to work with clean clothing in their bag to isolate themselves and change in the afternoon.

Furthermore, some individuals develop an unpleasant odour due to the oxidation of cutaneous or sebaceous lipids or various metabolites that can be converted into molecules having an unpleasant odour on the surface of the skin, on all areas of the body and on the scalp, such as sweat and/or sebum derivatives. For example, the production of volatile 2-nonenal tends to increase with age, this effect being described by Haze et at, in "The Journal of Investigative Dermatology", 2001, Vol. 116, 4, pp. 520-524, or low-molecular- weight fatty acids such as, for example, isovaleric acid or palmitic acid metabolized by S. epidermidis, as described in Sawano 1994 and 2000, and Yamazaki et at. in Anti-Aging Medicine 2010, 7 (6) pp 60-65, which also act on the odour.

The consumption of certain foodstuffs, beverages, aromatics or spices, such as for example alliaceous substances, may also result in perspiration or secretion of odorous or malodorous molecules on the surface of the body.

Certain pathologies or the taking of certain medicamentary treatments may also modify the substances present on the surface of the skin, whether secreted or excreted thereby.

There is a need to overcome this problem, which may lead to a physical or psychological malaise and to social isolation.

In particular in the case of perspiration under clothing, the natural drying of fabric is very slow since the evaporation of water depends on the shearing of the air and, since the fabric once wetted is often pressed against the skin, the shearing of the air in this region becomes very slight or even non-existent.

As regards sebum, oxidized proteins or malodorous microbial flora, the unpleasant odours remain impregnated in the surface of the skin, scalp, hair, clothing, shoes, linen or bedding.

One object of the invention, according to a first of its aspects, is a method of eliminating the body emanations of an individual, especially sweat or other secretions or volatile emanations, in which a treatment head comprising a permeable, in particular multi-apertured, and/or porous element is brought into contact with or in the vicinity of an area affected by these emanations, the skin or a garment worn by this individual, in which method an air stream is made to flow through and/or over the surface of this element

By means of the invention, the permeable and/or porous element may rapidly absorb, by capillary effect, surplus sweat present on the surface of the skin or of an impregnated garment. Absorption by capillary effect is particularly effective when the element is porous.

The expression "in the vicinity" should be understood to mean that the treatment head is brought opposite the area to be treated close enough to be able to entrain the emanations to be eliminated. For example, the treatment head may be brought to within 5 cm of the area to be treated, better still within 2 cm. This distance may depend on the power of the air stream.

The term "porous" should be understood to mean that the element has porosity at least on the surface but preferably over its entire thickness. The air stream can flow through the pores, where appropriate.

The term "permeable" should be understood to mean that the element has at least one aperture, for example at least one aperture with a cross section between 0.3 mm² and 7 mm².

Where appropriate, the element may be both permeable and porous. The air may entrain, especially in the case of a suction air stream, debris such as desquamating cells, catabolites and skin debris and dirt, including resident microorganisms and their substrates, or malodorous volatile compounds, and may accelerate the drying operation, while providing a freshening and cleansing sensation.

Contact between the porous element and the skin on the wet clothing may take place before or during circulation of the aforementioned air stream.

The invention makes it possible to reduce the unpleasant effects of body emanations when these cannot be sufficiently mitigated by conventional cosmetic or dermatological methods.

The treatment head may be brought into contact with or in the vicinity of the skin of the armpits, skin folds, the nape of the neck, the face, the scalp, the hands or the feet.

In one embodiment, the treatment head is brought into contact with a garment facing the armpits or the skin folds or the feet. A further object of the invention, according to another of its aspects, is a device for eliminating body emanations, especially for implementing the above method, comprising:

a treatment head having a contact surface, preferably in an overall dome shape, designed to contact the skin under the armpits, especially a porous dome or a flexible head that follows the anatomy of the area to be treated when this is other than the armpits, or perforated roll-on balls, or a perforated roller, and

a suction or blowing source for creating an air stream through and/or along the contact surface.

The shearing of the air produced in particular by a blowing or sucking process may rapidly dry a wet fabric or make it easier to liberate volatile molecules more or less retained by the treated surface. However, the blowing operation tends to spread the unpleasant odours. It is therefore advantageous to apply a deodorizing and/or odorizing active agent, such as a perfume, this being less useful if a suction operation is used.

The contact surface of overall dome shape may be defined by a porous element, as mentioned above.

Treatment Method

The method according to the invention may include a step consisting in sucking or blowing undesirable substances on the surface of the skin or external body growths, not only perspiration, for example in the armpits, but also volatile, fluid or solid, micro debris, which may or may not be of endogenous origin, whether odorous or not, such as desquamating cells or cell debris, excretion or secretion products, dandruff, makeup impurities or residues coming from pollution, microorganisms or their metabolites.

The suction or blowing may take place through a garment wetted by the perspiration, especially in the armpits and in underwear.

The suction may also be used to remove solid micro debris from a garment, such as dandruff.

The suction or blowing may occur directly on the skin or the scalp, making it possible to suck up or blow off sweat, especially in the armpits, or to remove dead cells, particles or dirt due to pollution for example, and/or residues of make-up or cosmetic products for the skin or hair. A support, especially a wipe, laden with a composition, which is preferably perfumed and/or deodorizing and/or antimicrobial and/or pH-balancing and/or neutralizing and/or antioxidizing and/or immunostimulating, may be placed on the treatment head,

The support may be applied to the skirt or the garment in an area over which the treatment head has been passed previously.

The treatment may be associated with the application, especially in the treated area, of a cosmetic, for example antiseptic, detoxifying, purifying, antioxidizing, neutralizing, perfuming and/or deodorizing, immunoregulating, vasoreguiatmg, neuroregulating, softening or anh^iriflarrimatory, product and/or one enabling the odours to be captured or local secretions or excretions to be regulated or the resident microbial flora to be controlled.

A skin barrier repair cream and/or an antiseptic corrector may be applied to the skin prior to the suction or blowing operation. A solvent or another substance may then be sucked or blown through the fabric.

The treatment may be accompanied by rubbing and/or stimulation of the skin: the head of the device may be furnished with at least one perforated or imperforated massaging roller or ball. Rubbing is invigorating on slowly metabolizing skin, caused especially by immobility or aging.

After the suction or blowing operation, a product may be applied to the skin in order to hydrate, treat, correct and/or repair it

Treatment Device

The device according to the invention enables a garment to be dried without the user having to undress. Moreover, the forced flow of air through the fabric of the garment also dries the skin and entrains undesirable substances found on the surface thereof.

The device according to the invention may separate, owing to the air stream, the wet fabric from the skin, allowing rapid air circulation, strong shearing of the air and rapid drying of the fabric. The sensation is pleasant The suction operation prevents the odours from spreading into the atmosphere, especially when the device includes an anti- odour filter, for example an active-carbon filter.

In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the device is produced so as to be used reversibly, either in suction mode or in blowing mode. For example, after use in suction mode, the blowing operation freshens the treated area and/or permits an active agent to be applied. The device may include a selector on which the user acts, in order to operate in suction mode or blowing mode.

Treatment Head

Preferably, the treatment head comprises a permeable multi-apertured element, preferably a porous element, through which or over the surface of which the air stream flows. This multi-apertured element may define the aforementioned overall dome shape. It may also be a flexible anatomical pad capable of following the shape of the application area.

Preferably, to prevent the fabric from entering one or more openings in the device through which the suction air stream flows, the size of the opening(s) is relatively small.

The porous element may have a hollow structure defining a cavity and having intercommunicating pores in all directions.

The porous element may be ovoid or convex.

The porous element may have one or more orifices, of regular or irregular size, through which the air stream can flow. This orifice or these orifices may be produced by moulding or machining, for example by drilling.

The porous element may comprise a ceramic, preferably an ultra-porous ceramic, or a frit made of a mineral or thermoplastic substance. The material used is preferably a washable or sterilizable material, enabling the treatment head to be easily washed after one or more uses. Thus, the porous element may be removably mounted on the device.

The porous element may be of light or dark colour.

Preferably, the porous element comprises a ceramic. When an ultra-porous ceramic is applied to an area of fabric of about 20 cm² impregnated with 300 mg of water, it very quickly removes therefrom a significant amount of water, for example about 100 mg. However, the drying effect is limited since prolonging the contact between the ceramic and the fabric does not remove more water: the water extraction curve tends towards a plateau. This is probably due to the fact that the ceramic absorbs the water lying between the fibres of the fabric, but is not capable of removing the water lying in the more strongly bonded fibres. The combination of a suction or blowing source with a porous element, such as a porous ceramic, is particularly advantageous as it makes it possible to reduce the fabric drying time, for example reducing it to a time not exceeding 20 seconds, which is about 100 times more rapid than natural drying.

In one embodiment, the porous element, such as a ceramic, is replaced with a permeable element such as a mesh.

As already mentioned above, the treatment head preferably has a contact surface, for contact with the skin or fabric, of overall dome shape so as to be able to contact the skin in the armpits. The contact surface is preferably rounded about axes of curvature contained in at least two mutually perpendicular planes.

The contact surface of overall dome shape may be ovoid, spherical, elliptical, paraboloidal or frustoconical with several converging faces. The contact surface may have one or more plane facets. The contact surface may or may not form an axisymmetric envelope. When the body is of non-axisymmetric shape, the contact surface may have, in cross section perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, an oval or rectangular shape, among other possibilities.

The contact surface may have no plane area. As a variant, the contact surface may have one or more plane areas, for example in the form of facets.

In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the porous and/or permeable element is removable so as, for example, to allow the element to be changed, depending on the user, the intended use and/or the area to be treated, or dry it, in a microwave or oven for example, to clean it or to impregnate it with an antiseptic, lubricating, treating or perfuming substance.

The porous and/or permeable element may be rigid or flexible. A certain flexibility may enable it to follow the shape of the region to be treated.

The treatment head preferably contains no suction or blowing orifice, open to the outside, with a cross section exceeding 25 mm³, better still 20 mm², and even better still 10 mm². The absence of a relatively large orifice prevents the fabric from unduly engaging inside the orifice.

A support laden with a composition, such as a wipe for example, may be placed on the treatment head of the device, especially on the porous element The device may be designed to hold such a support in place, for example using one or more clips or rings, or by a hook-and-loop fastening system of the Velcro^® type. As a variant, the support is designed to be fixed onto the treatment head.

In the case of use for treating the moisture of a fabric, especially in the armpits, the support, especially the wipe, may allow a product to be applied to the fabric in order to clean, cleanse or perfume the fibres thereof , to prevent its deterioration by sweat, to prevent the formation of a sweat ring or to uncrease the fabric.

The composition is preferably a perfumed and/or deodorizing and/or antimicrobial, and/or pH-balancing and/or neutralizing and/or antioxidizing and/or immunostimulating composition.

The support, for example the wipe, may be removable and disposable, allowing the device to be used hygienically and flexibly.

A product to be applied during the suction or blowing operation or after the suction or blowing operation may also be contained in a reservoir placed for example on the device or in a base on which the device stands after use.

In one embodiment, the product to be applied is collected directly by means of the device from a container, such as a pot, a spray dispenser or a tube for example.

When the device includes a reservoir containing the product, for example a pressurized capsule, the product may be delivered as the device is being used.

The product is for example a deodorant or a perfume.

A LTV radiation source, especially one generating UVA, UVB or UVC, may be placed on the treatment head or on a base for receiving the device when it is not in use, so as to exert a biocidal action, especially to disinfect the contact surface. Where appropriate, a photocatalyric action takes place on the contact surface, causing impurities to be removed.

The device includes a cap to be placed on the treatment head after use, in order to preserve it from knocks and dirt and to allow it to be transported.

Suction and blowing source

The device comprises a suction or blowing source for creating an air stream through and/or along the contact surface.

The suction or blowing source comprises a motor and a turbine or fan. A centrifugal turbine is preferred because of its ability to create an underpressure when the wet fabric tends to prevent the flow of air. The shearing of the air and the creation of a partial vacuum are thereby combined.

A filter may be placed in front of the turbine or fan. Preferably, the filter is designed to capture odours and comprises active carbon for example.

Preferably, the device is configured so as to allow easy access to this filter so as to be able to change it after it has been used a certain number of times.

Preferably, unlike a conventional vacuum cleaner, the device according to the invention does not contain a receptacle of large volume, especially a volume of 10 cm³ or more, for collecting the sucked-up debris. The device may include a surface suitable for collected impurities to be destroyed photocatalytically, this surface being exposed to ultraviolet radiation for example. The surface may also be coated with a cleansing or bactericidal material, such as metal ions, stainless steel, copper or silver for example.

In one embodiment, the collected impurities may be destroyed by heat, by the use of high-temperature, ultrasonic or microwave heating for example.

The device may include a rechargeable battery and rest on a base when not in use so as to charge the battery. The base may serve for storing and/or delivering any product to be applied during and/or after use and/or for disinfecting and/or cleaning the treatment head. In one embodiment, the device operates on a battery or is connected directly to the mains by a cable.

Where appropriate, the device may be fixed to the wall or a support for making it easier to treat the back or parts of the body that are difficult to reach, especially for a person of reduced mobility. The head may be connected to the suction or blowing source via a flexible or articulated tube.

The device according to the invention preferably forms a portable item of equipment of small size and reasonable weight, able to be handled using just one hand, capable of being easily transported and of being used in all circumstances and in very many places.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following detailed description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments thereof and on examining the appended drawing in which: - Figure 1 is a side view, in partial and schematic section, of an example of a device according to the invention;

- Figure 2 shows schematically the motor and the filter of the device;

- Figure 3 is a front view of the treatment head along the direction III of Figure 1;

- Figure 4 shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of a device according to the invention;

Figures 5A and 5B illustrate various uses of the device according to the invention; and

- Figures 6A, 6B and 6C are front views of other examples of treatment heads.

The device 1 according to the invention shown in Figure I comprises a casing 3 containing a suction or blowing source and a treatment head 7.

The casing 3 may include, as illustrated, a place 6 for accommodating an electrical battery.

The treatment head 7 comprises a porous element 2 defining a contact surface 15 of overall dome shape, this being ovoid in the example illustrated.

Preferably, as illustrated, the porous element 2 is hollow and defines an internal space 16 that communicates with the outside via at least one orifice 8, preferably a number of orifices 8.

These orifices are for example oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the device 1.

Preferably, the cross section of each orifice 8 is small enough to prevent a fabric from penetrating too deeply into the orifice. Each orifice 8 preferably has a diameter of 3 mm or less. The number of orifices 8 is for example between 3 and 1000. Each orifice 8 may be of circular or non-circular cross section. Preferably, the total open area created by the orifices 8 does not exceed 100 mm², and preferably does not exceed 25 mm², the diameter of each orifice preferably being between 1 mm and 2 mm.

In the case of the suction or blowing of moisture on a fabric, the use of a porous ceramic for producing the porous element 2 makes it possible to speed up the fabric drying process, as explained above. The thickness of the wall 17 of the porous element 2 at the contact surface Ϊ5 is for example between 1 mm and 5 mm, being for example about 4 mm.

The orifices 8 may extend, as illustrated in Figure 3, over a region containing the apex of the contact surface 15, for example of diameter c of 10 cm or less, preferably 5 cm.

The shape of the contact surface may be axisymmetric about the axis X, as illustrated in Figure 1.

The diameter a of the porous element 2 of the suction head 7 may vary between 5 cm and 8 cm. Its radius of curvature at the apex is for example about 4 cm.

The porous element 2 may be removable, and differently sized porous elements 2 may be fixed to the device 1.

After use, the device 1 may be placed on a base (not shown) connected to the electrical mains, for charging the battery.

In one embodiment, the battery may be recharged by connection via a USB connector or via a car cigar lighter.

In another embodiment, the device 1 is supplied by batteries inserted into the place 6.

The base for recharging the device 1 is therefore no longer necessary or it may have other functions, such as for example for cleaning the treatment head 7 or for containing and/or delivering various products.

In one embodiment, the device 1 is connected directly to the electrical mains via an electrical cable.

The casing 3 comprises a block 4, containing a motor and a centrifugal turbine, and a filter 5, as shown in Figure 2.

Preferably, the block 4 and the filter 5 are not very large, for example they are contained in a volume measuring 20 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm, so as to minimize the size of the device 1 and to make it portable and flexible.

The turbine, for example extracted from a portable vacuum cleaner of the Dyson DC 16^® brand, may be placed along or flat within the casing 3.

The filter 5 is preferably designed to absorb the unpleasant odours and to expel purified odourless air. The device 1 is designed to allow the user easy access to the filter 5 so as to be able to replace it after it has been used one or more times. Contrary to a domestic vacuum cleaner, it is not necessary to provide a collecting space of large volume. Where appropriate, the sucked-up substances may be destroyed photocatalytically or by microwave or ultrasonic heating.

The block 3 may contain a catalyst, such as a semiconductor material performing the catalysis by virtue of ultraviolet radiation, or a microwave heating device. In one embodiment, the device 1 is placed on a system that performs the catalysis.

Figure 3 shows a top view of the porous element 2 that covers the treatment head 7 of the device 1.

Figure 4 shows an embodiment in which the porous element 2 is covered with a support 9 laden with a composition, for example a wipe.

The support 9 is mounted on the device 1 so as to be able to be easily removed from the treatment head 7, thereby enabling the user to operate the device with or without the support 9. The support may be thrown away after it has been used one or more times.

The support 9 may be a wipe which makes it possible, after sucking-up or blowing-away of the substances to be removed, to apply a product to the skin in order to hydrate, treat, correct and/or repair it.

It is conceivable for the product deposited by way of the support to be intended for treating a fabric. In this case, the product applied to the fabric may serve for cleaning, cleansing, perfuming or uncreasing the fibres of the fabric, for example, for preventing its deterioration by sweat or for preventing the formation of a sweat ring.

The product applied using the device 1 may be contained in a storage reservoir placed in the base for accommodating the device 1 when it is not in use and optionally for recharging it.

The product may also be collected directly from its container - a tube, a pot or a spray dispenser.

This product may be a detoxifying, purifying, antioxidizing, neutralizing or perfuming cosmetic and/or one for capturing odours.

In one embodiment, the product - a skin barrier repair cream, antiinflammatory or anti-oxidizing cream and/or an antiseptic corrector for example, is applied to the skin prior to the treatment. A product, taking the form of a solvent for example, may then be sucked into or blown through the fabric. Figure 5A illustrates the use of the device 1 according to the invention for removing moisture under the.armpits.

The user, taking the device 1 in his or her hand, brings it up to the area to be treated and operates the device 1 by pressing for example on an operating button 12 placed on the casing 3.

The user leaves the device 1 in the operating state until he or she considers that the fabric of the garment 11 is dry enough, the user then pressing on the button 12 again so as to turn the device off.

In an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 5B, the device 1 is fixed to a wall or to any other support 13. in this case, the user approaches the device 1 appropriately relative to the area to be treated. The head 7 may be connected to the casing 3 by a flexible or articulated tube 20.

By way of indication, a shirt fabric measuring 20 cm² in area to which 300 mg of water is applied dries in 30 seconds, as opposed to 30 minutes for natural drying in the open air. By way of indication, 220 mg of water has to be removed in order to achieve visible drying.

The suction or blowing method may be further accelerated by using drying accelerators, such as those based on a supply of energy, by infrared, by heat conduction or by ultrasound, or based on the entrainment of water by the addition of at least one volatile solvent, which is for example delivered into the treatment head 7 of the device 1 by means of a support 9 impregnated with such a solvent.

Other functions may be attributed to the device 1, such as degrcasing, disinfecting, application, treating, stimulating, massaging or micro massaging, perfuming and/or refreshing functions.

The device 1 may be used for example for the well-being of the user and/or the cleansing of a garment, but also in suction or blowing actions combined with the application of products, in order to wash and/or eliminate various materials, such as hairs, dandruff, dirt or pollution deposits for example.

In one embodiment (not shown), the treatment head 7 of the device 1 may for example be provided with perforated or unperforated massaging balls or rollers, for stimulating and/or revitalizing the skin. These balls or rollers may for example be placed on an element that can be clipped onto the treatment head 7.

In one embodiment {not shown), the treatment head 7 of the device 1 includes a pressurized capsule filled with an active agent, for example a deodorant The user may, after using the device 1, make use of this active agent in order to apply it to his or her armpits for example.

The treatment head 7 may also include at least one LED generating UVA and/or IJVB, infrared or visible light of controlled wavelength, or generate ultrasound, in order to exert a disinfecting function or to act on the skin, the sweat or pilosebaceous glands, the enzymatic systems or the skin flora.

The device 1 may be integrated into another apparatus, such as, for example, a dual-function hand dryer or a shower.

The expression "comprising a" or "including a" must be understood as being synonymous with "comprising at least one" or "including at least one", unless specified otherwise. The terms "product" and "composition" are synonymous.

The invention is not limited to the examples that have just been described. In particular, features from the embodiments illustrated may be combined within embodiments that are not illustrated.

Claims

1. Method of eUminating the body emanations of an individual, especially sweat or other secretions or volatile emanations, in which a treatment head (7) comprising a permeable and/or porous element (2) is brought into contact with or in the vicinity of an area affected by these emanations, the skin or a garment worn by this individual, in which method an air stream is made to flow through and/or over the surface of this element, the treatment head (7) being brought into contact with or in the vicinity of the skin of the armpits, skin folds, the hands or the feet, or being brought into contact with a garment (11) facing the armpits or the skin folds or the feet.

2. Method according to Claim 1, the air stream being a suction air stream, especially produced by a centrifugal turbine.

3. Method according to Claims 1 or 2, the element being porous and the air stream flowing through the porous element (2) especially through orifices (8) of the porous element (2) other than passages formed by pores of the porous element (2).

4. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, in which a support (9) laden with a composition, especially a wipe, which is preferably perfumed and/or deodorizing and/or antimicrobial and/or pH-balancing and/or neutralizing and/or antioxictizing and/or immunostimulaimg, is placed on the treatment head (7).

5. Method according to Claim 4, in which the support (9) is applied to the skin or the garment (11) in an area over which the treatment head (7) has been passed previously.

6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, the element (2) comprising a ceramic,

7. Device (1) for eliminating body emanations, especially for implementing the method as defined in any one of the preceding claims, comprising:

a treatment head (7) having a contact surface (15), in an overall dome shape, designed to contact the skin under the armpits, especially a porous dome or a flexible head that follows the anatomy of the area to be treated when this is other than the armpits, or perforated roll-on balls, or a perforated roller; and a suction or blowing source for creating an air stream through and/or along the contact surface.

8. Device according to Claim 7, the contact surface (15) being at least partly defined by a porous element (2), especially an ovoid or convex porous element

9. Device according to Claim 8, the porous element (2) having one or more orifices (8) through which the air stream can flow.

10. Device according to any one of Claims 7 to 9, the contact surface being defined by a porous element (2) having a hollow structure defining a cavity (16) and having intercommunicating pores in all directions,

11. Device according to any one of Claims 7 to 9, the contact surface being defined by a porous element (2) comprising a ceramic or a frit made of a mineral or thermoplastic substance.

12. Device according to any one of Claims 7 to 11, comprising a support (9) laden with a composition, especially a perfumed and/or deodorizing and/or antimicrobial and/or pH-balancing and/or neutralizing and/or antioxidizing and/or immunostimulating composition, and placed on or to be placed on the porous element (2).

13. Device according to any one of Claims 7 to 12, the treatment head (7) containing no suction or blowing orifice, open to the outside, with a cross section exceeding 25 mm².

14. Device (1) for eliminating body emanations, especially for implementing the method as defined in any one of the preceding claims, comprising:

a treatment head (7) having a contact surface (15), preferably in an overall dome shape, designed to contact the skin under the armpits, especially a porous dome or a flexible head that follows the anatomy of the area to be treated when this is other than the armpits, or perforated roll-on balls, or a perforated roller; and

a suction or blowing source for creating an air stream through and/or along the contact surface,

the contact surface being defined by a porous element (2) having a hollow structure defining a cavity (16) and having intercommunicating pores in all directions.